Pentax P80 vs Sony A290

In this article, we will be evaluating the Pentax P80 and Sony A290, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the P80 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively close but the P80 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The P80 was released 10 months prior to the A290 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the P80 matches up against the A290 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio P80 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are available at Pentax P80 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax P80 provides exterior dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Sony A290 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Pentax P80 and Sony A290 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the P80 compared to the A290.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the P80 and A290 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes purely by viewing technical specs. The pic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the P80 and A290.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The P80 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony A290 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged P80 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.